United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Definition

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Established in 1992, the UNFCCC provides a framework for negotiating and implementing measures to combat climate change, including agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in tackling this pressing issue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The UNFCCC was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and has near-universal membership with 197 parties.
2. The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings are where countries negotiate climate action commitments under the UNFCCC framework.
3. The UNFCCC recognizes that developed countries have a greater responsibility in combating climate change due to their historical emissions.
4. It provides a platform for countries to share information and progress on climate actions, fostering transparency and accountability.
5. The ultimate goal of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous interference with the climate system.

Review Questions

• How does the UNFCCC facilitate global cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The UNFCCC creates a platform for countries to come together and negotiate commitments to combat climate change. By establishing a legal framework and facilitating discussions through annual COP meetings, it enables nations to share their progress, challenges, and strategies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This collective approach is essential for fostering collaboration among both developed and developing countries in tackling this global issue.
• Evaluate the impact of the Paris Agreement as a significant outcome of the UNFCCC's framework.
  • The Paris Agreement represents a landmark achievement within the UNFCCC framework, as it sets binding commitments for all countries to contribute to global efforts against climate change. By aiming to limit temperature increases and encouraging national determined contributions (NDCs), it mobilizes financial support for developing nations and emphasizes transparency in reporting progress. The agreement fosters a sense of shared responsibility, pushing nations toward more ambitious climate actions while holding them accountable for their contributions.
• Analyze how the principles outlined in the UNFCCC influence tourism sustainability practices in response to climate change.
  • The principles of the UNFCCC promote sustainability practices within tourism by emphasizing the need for reduced carbon footprints and adaptive measures against climate impacts. As tourism heavily relies on natural resources and stable climates, stakeholders are encouraged to implement eco-friendly practices and invest in sustainable infrastructure. This commitment aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change effects on vulnerable destinations, fostering resilience while enhancing visitor experiences through environmentally responsible tourism initiatives.

Related terms

Kyoto Protocol: An international agreement linked to the UNFCCC that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

Paris Agreement:

A legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Climate Change Adaptation: The process of adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize the damage caused by climate change or to take advantage of opportunities that arise from it.